Sri Lanka Magic Circle 1922 – 2022 Celebrates a Century of Magic!

Founded on 18th February 1922 as an Association of Ceylon Magicians, headed by Gate Mudaliyar A.C.G.S. Amarasekera, with Harold Holden, T.G.R. Goonewardane, Simon Perera, Linden de Alwis, Herbert E. Gonsal, and Vivien Abhayaratne, the Association progressed in the cultural entertainment field up to the 1950 era and thereafter galvanized itself into creating a niche in the entertainment field. In 1953 the name was changed to Sri Lanka Magic Circle (SLMC) which attracted many enthusiasts interested in the performing art of magic. These were students, many members from the government service, mercantile service, Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, Engineers, Doctors, Education department, Medical Research Institution and Judicial service, Borah and Sindi communities to name a few.

Regular monthly meetings and magic workshops were held throughout, initiated by the diligent council members. Many magic performances were held island wide, most of which were in aid of fundraising charitable causes, which was one of the social obligations of the SLMC, even as at date. The quality of the performing art was raised by conducting regular workshops and by holding annual magic contests since 1961 to date and thus improved professionalism in presentation.

This Magic Circle received the blessings of the State throughout its long history.  Sir Oliver Goonetilleke graced the magic shows conducted by the Circle The Golden Jubilee celebrations were held at the President’s House with the blessings of the late William Gopallawa. In 2002 the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, in association with the Cultural Ministry, under then Minister the late Monty Gopallawa, gifted a block of land at the Kalapola zone at 156 Templars Road, Mt.Lavinia in recognition of the cultural impact by the Magic Circle, on which the ground floor headquarters has been constructed.

The Department of Cultural Affairs recognized the efforts of the magic circle and granted it the status of a ‘National Arts Society in March 2021. Due to the tremendous effort of the SLMC as a cultural society, a Centenary Postal Stamp and a First Day Cover is to be issued on the 22nd April at the International Magic Convention at the BMICH by the Postal Department.

Today the Sri Lanka Magic Circle is one of the very few globally recognized Magic Clubs in the world which has had a glorious marathon century run to date!

Several events has been planned for 22nd and 23rd April which includes a full day International Magic Convention at the Lotus Hall, BMICH, with lecture demonstrations, Senior and Junior Magic Competitions open to local and foreign magicians, awards ceremonies and magic dealer sales counters. On the 24th April from 5.45 PM an evening of a fabulous Gala Magic Extravaganza is scheduled for VVIPs and invitees at the Bishop’s College Auditorium by local and foreign magicians.

About 40 foreign delegates have already registered and the Magic Circle has promoted these delegates to tour Sri Lankan tourist sites, after the events, thus boosting the tourism industry.

Local magicians and members of the public interested in joining the events or to obtain membership in the Sri Lanka Magic Circle, could email Lt. Col. (rtd.) Ronald de Alwis on magicana@sltnet.lk for inquiries.